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What is self-consciousness?

Answered by Gene Cunningham, Basic Training Bible Ministries · from The Basics

Self-consciousness is the awareness of ourselves. When this awareness functions independently of the Word, we live in a hell of preoccupation with ourselves. Whether a person is wrapped up in how great they are or how worthless they are, all preoccupation with self is equally poisonous.

When we base our self-image on what the Word says about how God sees us in Christ with an attitude of humility, we can accept ourselves. Looking at the Living Word through the written Word allows us to see ourselves realistically and put both our strengths and our weaknesses in perspective.

In this state, we always rest in the fact that we are infinitely precious to God just as we are, while never stopping our drive toward the goal of conformity to Christ.

Also asked: What happens to our self-view when we focus too much on our own strengths and weaknesses?
Also asked, more loosely
How can our self-image be based on what the Bible says about how God sees us in Christ? · What does it mean to be aware of ourselves and how does it affect our relationships with God and others?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Self-consciousness' (printed pp. 137, 138) · Read this lesson in the book →

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HellHumilityRestSelf-consciousness

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    p.137p.138

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